Eh-1 Curie Point of Gadolinium

Aim

To demonstrate the disappearance of ferromagnetism in Gadolinium above a certain temperature called the Curie Point.

Apparatus

Gadolinium foil

Rola permanent magnet

Retort stand

Desk lamp

Diagrams

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Curie Point Diagram

Description

Gadolinium has a Curie Point temperature of 17°C. At this temperature it loses its ferromagnetism and becomes paramagnetic. This is illustrated by suspending a thin sheet of Gadolinium from a retort stand. It is attracted to a permanent magnet. The heat from a 100W light globe is sufficient to raise its temperature above its Curie Point whereupon the strong magnetism of the Gadolinium disappears.